Main menu

Search DHEC

News Releases

South Carolina to Unveil Statewide Obesity Action Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2014

South Carolina to Unveil Statewide Obesity Action Plan

Columbia, S.C.- The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), along with the state Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Obesity Council, will host a healthy lunch to unveil South Carolina's new Obesity Action Plan. A culmination of collaborative efforts, the initiative focuses on both long-term and short-term strategies that can be immediately implemented to begin reducing the rate of obesity in the Palmetto State.

The lunch will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. in the Phillips Market Center at the State Farmers Market.

The following individuals will be in attendance:

Catherine Templeton, DHEC Director

Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture

Members of the South Carolina Obesity Council

"Obesity is one of the most critical health problems facing South Carolina today, contributing to diseases that kill the most people in our state and costing an estimated $8.5 billion per year," said DHEC Director Catherine Templeton. "Cornerstone to moving the needle on obesity in South Carolina, this plan mobilizes partners from across the state to establish innovative strategies to address obesity risk factors in the places where South Carolinians live, work, play, and learn."

Interactive displays will be available at the event to illustrate the plan's key action items towards the reduction and prevention of obesity.